1983: C++

Tired of the lack of expressiveness of mainstream
programming languages of the day and of the slowness of experimental languages,
AT&T researcher Bjarne Stroustrup built the first version of C++ in
1983. C++ combines the expressive power of OOP
(object-oriented programming) with the speed, compactness, and flexibility of
C, its systems programming language predecessor, which was invented at AT&T
ten years earlier. C++ matches C in efficiency and adds facilities for building
larger, more easily maintained, and more reliable systems.

Stroustrup's creation, originally intended to improve the working lives of his
colleagues, rapidly became one of the most influential programming languages in
industry and academia worldwide. Today, upwards of a million programmers use
C++ to write software for machines ranging from PCs to supercomputers. If you
have used a computer, you have almost certainly used a program written in C++.
Most PC and Internet users do so daily. C++ is
even used for software in gadgets such as cameras and elevators, which are not
usually associated with computers and programming.

At AT&T, C++ has become embedded in transmission, switching, and operations
systems. C++ is also used in scientific programming, data analysis, simulation,
and other mainstays of telecommunications research. Constant research and
refinement have kept C++ in the front line of systems development to this
day.